1
: a refund of duties especially on an imported product subsequently exported or used to produce a product for export
2
: an objectionable feature : disadvantage
The plan's only drawback is its cost.
drew back; drawn back; drawing back; draws back
: to avoid an issue or commitment
Examples of drawback in a Sentence
Noun
The trip sounds great, but cost is a major drawback.
this plan has only one drawback: it's unworkable
Recent Examples on the Web
Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Their study examines the benefits and drawbacks of social and digital media use across the lifespan.
—Crista Marchesseault, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
Everything is drawn back to the box’s center.
—Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drawback
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Noun
Pesticides have many drawbacks and must be used extremely judiciously and in very limited situations, such as when the health of the plant is in jeopardy.
—Rita Perwich, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Apr. 2026
Their study examines the benefits and drawbacks of social and digital media use across the lifespan.
—Crista Marchesseault, Hartford Courant, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
For this series version, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II takes on the role of John Creasy, a skilled former mercenary plagued by PTSD who is drawn back into action during a quest for redemption.
—Abid Rahman, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2026
Everything is drawn back to the box’s center.
—Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 30 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for drawback
Cite this Entry
“Drawback.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drawback. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
drawback
noun
draw·back
ˈdrȯ-ˌbak 
: an undesirable feature : disadvantage entry 1
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